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This is not 2008

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Is it 2008 all over again? Should we be worried about the financial system collapsing?

Deep breath. Let's discuss.

On March 10th, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a bank catering to startups, closed its doors after it could no longer cover withdrawals. (1)

Days later, regulators also took over Signature Bank.

There's reason to believe a number of other banks may be in trouble. (2) Rising interest rates are hitting many banking portfolios hard, and weaknesses are emerging.

Should we be panicked about these bank failures?

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Why & How to Talk Money with Kids

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Do you know when kids start forming attitudes and ideas about money?

It may be earlier than you think.

It’s around the age of 3. ¹

Believe it or not, that’s NOT too early to start doing some basic finance activities with young children or grandchildren.

In fact, age 3 can be an ideal time to begin talking to children about concepts like buying versus saving. And teaching them what it means to save now so they can buy a more valuable item they want later.

The Economy (bear with me)...

Simple question: How's the economy doing?

Answer: It’s complicated.

After the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates again (but less than last time) and all the market volatility, it's a good time to talk about the economy. ¹

Inflation has been falling since summer

Inflation fell for the sixth straight month in December, bolstering evidence that it may have peaked last June at 9.1%. ²

However, inflation is still very high, and its impact is being felt across the economy.